8:00am Thursday 11th February 2010
By Ned Payne
ROBINS boss Ronnie Russell has paid tribute to Leigh Adams for the “legacy” he is set to leave at the Abbey Stadium.
Adams has announced he intends to quit racing at the end of the upcoming season and Russell believes the influence of the 38-year-old will live far beyond his departure.
Russell credits Adams as being a major factor in the ability of Swindon to recruit a number of talented young Australians in recent years, such as the likes of Cory Gathercole, Richard Sweetman and brothers Justin and Ryan Sedgmen.
“Leigh has been the catalyst that has brought all these young Australians to Swindon,” said Russell.
“They want to be involved with Swindon because of the education they get from him.
“We’ve got good riders coming through and it’s yet another thank you to Leigh Adams. His legacy will continue after he has retired.”
Russell also revealed that when Adams hangs up his kevlars, his managerial plan was that only Australians would occupy the pit bay vacated by the Blunsdon legend, and that the club may even name it after him.
Russell’s vision could mean that Sweetman, currently occupying the doubling-up role at Coventry, may be the rider to inherit Adams’ berth in 2011.
“He (Sweetman) is one of those that’s ready for next season,” said Russell.
“If things all go to plan, he will be one of the doubling-up riders and Justin Sedgmen will be number eight.”
Meanwhile, Russell has revealed the two guests that will fill in for a triple absence in two early-season meetings.
Doubling-up rider Gathercole and number eight Steve Boxall will be racing for Somerset on the day the Robins open up their Elite League campaign at Eastbourne on Saturday, 27 March.
And second doubling-up rider Jordan Frampton is also unavailable as he is part of the Rye House team that is due to take on Somerset in the Premier League.
In the trio’s absence, Swindon asset Sweetman will line up alongside Thomas H. Jonasson at reserve for the Eastbourne clash.
And when Swindon travel to Ipswich on the afternoon of April 2, Good Friday, 18-year-old King’s Lynn hotshot Joe Haines will slot into the Robins septet.
Gathercole, Boxall and Frampton are unavailable on that date as Somerset are facing Rye House for the second time in seven days.
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